Small city in Collin County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Melissa, TX

A

22nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 90 of 100
28th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Melissa an A. It ranks 22nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Top-rated schools
  • Low crime
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Getting around scores low (1 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Melissa isHoustonSan AntonioAustinFort WorthMelissa
Where Melissa is in Texas.
Population
29,969+115.6% since 2020
Median rent
$2,53280% higher than Texas
Median home value
$454,00060% higher than Texas
Household income
$138,763Median
Average commute
34 minOne way
Violent crime
49Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Melissa

Melissa sits about 36 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 29,969 people lived here in 2025, up 115.6% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2015).

Places locals use include Zadow Park, Melissa Public Library and Liberty Park.

The median age is 36.3, 58% of households have children, 89% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $138,763 a year (77% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Melissa

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 6 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 87% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $138,763, 77% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 116% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Melissa

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,532, 80% higher than the Texas median.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 34 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Melissa suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 77% higher than the Texas median, with 47 restaurants and 7 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 66% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 11% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 84% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,532 is 80% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,532 is 80% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 27% for people on a budget.

Melissa report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Melissa with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D+

    Median rent $2,532, homes cost 3.3x income.

    31 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A

    Median household income $138,763, 3.6% unemployed.

    93 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A

    6 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    92 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade A+

    49 violent crimes per 100k, 433 property crimes per 100k.

    95 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    1 grocery store, 47 restaurants, 12 parks mapped in town.

    53 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 34 min, 29% work from home.

    1 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B

    53% have a bachelor’s degree.

    70 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade C+

    11% of adults uninsured.

    52 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A+

    89% of homes owner-occupied.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    98% of homes have broadband.

    96 of 100 vs US cities

Where Melissa stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $138,76377% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 89%26 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 53%19 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,53280% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 34 min26% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 54%2 points higher than Texas (52%)

Cost of living in Melissa

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Melissa is $2,532 a month, 80% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $101,000 a year. Right now 54% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,536 for a one-bedroom, $1,807 for a two-bedroom and $2,275 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $454,000, 60% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,485 before tax, or $3,057 with property tax. That is $525 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Melissa pays $6,860 a year, 62% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Melissa

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in MelissaStudio$1,4911 bedroom$1,5362 bedrooms$1,8073 bedrooms$2,2754 bedrooms$2,892
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent80% higher than Texas$2,532$1,403$1,413
Median home value60% higher than Texas$454,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income10% lower than Texas3.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent2 points higher than Texas54%52%51%
Median property tax per year62% higher than Texas$6,860$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them26 points higher than Texas89%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas201519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,057
Mortgage payment
$2,485
Property tax
$572
Median rent, for comparison
$2,532

Based on a $454,000 home in Melissa, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Melissa safe?

In 2025, Melissa Police Department reported 15 violent crimes and 132 property crimes. That works out to 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 433 property crimes per 100,000, 79% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 25% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Melissa by yearTexas4920212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
49
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
433
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Melissa by yearTexas43320212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Melissa Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Melissa

Melissa has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Melissa ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Melissa High School, Harry McKillop Elementary and Melissa Middle. The average rating score across all campuses is 92 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
92
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
92
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AMelissa High SchoolHigh, Melissa ISD94 of 100
  • AHarry McKillop ElementaryElementary, Melissa ISD93 of 100
  • AMelissa MiddleMiddle, Melissa ISD92 of 100
  • AMelissa Ridge Education CenterOther, Melissa ISD92 of 100
  • ANorth Creek ElementaryElementary, Melissa ISD92 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Melissa

We grade 3 areas inside Melissa. The top three are Central Melissa (A), The Quarry (A-) and The Residences at Harrison Park (A-). If price matters most, The Residences at Harrison Park has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $2,570 a month. The Quarry is the priciest, at $2,700. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 Melissa neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Melissa

    Everyday places mapped inside Melissa, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Zadow Park, City of Melissa 90 Acre Park, Melissa Public Library.

    The average one-way commute is 34 minutes, 26% longer than the Texas average. 29% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Dallas is about 36 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Melissa work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $138,763, income per person is $46,817, unemployment is 3.6% and 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    1
    Pharmacies
    4
    Restaurants
    47
    Cafes
    7
    Bars
    0
    Parks
    12
    Gyms
    2
    Hospitals and urgent care
    0
    Childcare
    4
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income77% higher than Texas$138,763$78,476$80,734
    Income per person15% higher than Texas$46,817$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.6%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line12 points lower than Texas1.9%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points higher than Texas53%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points higher than Texas93%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance9 points lower than Texas11%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute26% higher than Texas34 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home15 points higher than Texas29%14%15%
    Workers who work from home29%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.4%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Melissa

    Under 1831%
    18 to 3417%
    35 to 6445%
    65 and over6.7%

    Median age 36.3 years. 58% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White57%
    Hispanic or Latino15%
    Black16%
    Asian8.9%
    Other or more than one race3.5%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Melissa

    Melissa has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 97 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Melissa30°50°70°90°56J60F68M75A83M91J95J96A88S78O66N57DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mckinney Muni Ap, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

    • River floodingHigh
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • Strong windModerate

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Melissa

    Nearby, Anna gets a C-, Princeton gets a B and Lowry Crossing gets a B+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. C-AnnaSmall city, 24,330 people4 mi
    2. BPrincetonSmall city, 25,229 people7 mi
    3. B+Lowry CrossingTown, 1,433 people8 mi
    4. AMcKinneyCity, 210,600 people8 mi
    5. AVan AlstyneTown, 5,952 people10 mi
    6. BFairviewSmall city, 10,783 people11 mi

    Melissa in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 25ACarrollton133,740 people16 mito downtown
    5. 26AMurphy21,188 people18 mito downtown
    6. 27ADouble Oak3,071 people27 mito downtown
    7. 28AMelissa20,136 people36 mito downtown
    8. 29ARockwall51,168 people21 mito downtown
    9. 30AHaslet3,280 people35 mito downtown
    10. 31ALucas8,351 people23 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Melissa: common questions

    Is Melissa, TX a good place to live?

    We give Melissa an A. It ranks 22nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and internet access, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.

    How much does it cost to live in Melissa?

    Median rent in Melissa is $2,532 a month, 80% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $454,000, 60% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.3x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $3,057, including property tax.

    Is Melissa safe?

    In 2025, Melissa Police Department reported 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 433 per 100,000, 79% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Melissa?

    We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Melissa. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 92 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Melissa?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Melissa are Central Melissa, The Quarry and The Residences at Harrison Park. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Melissa flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Melissa as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and winter storms. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Melissa?

    Summers in Melissa peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 97 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Melissa?

    The average one-way commute is 34 min, 26% higher than the Texas average. About 29% of workers work from home. It is about 36 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.